NCJ Number
50070
Journal
NLADA Briefcase Volume: 35 Issue: 3 Dated: (JUNE 1978) Pages: 80-86,93
Date Published
1978
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA RESIDENTS AND THE CASEWORK HANDLED BY THE LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE ELDERLY IS PRESENTED. THE USE OF VOLUNTEER AID AND THE TRAINING PROGRAMS ARE DISCUSSED.
Abstract
THE DESCRIPTION OF THE LEGAL COUNSEL FOR ELDERLY PERSONS IS PRESENTED IN A QUESTION AND ANSWER FORMAT. IT WAS INITIATED IN 1975 AS A MODEL PROJECT FOR HELPING ELDERLY PERSONS WITH LEGAL PROBLEMS USING RETIRED PERSONS AS PARALEGAL VOLUNTEERS. BRIEF BACKGROUND MATERIAL ON THE PROJECT IS PRESENTED, AND COMMON LEGAL PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE ELDERLY ARE DISCUSSED. MOST OF THE CASES INVOLVE ENTANGLEMENTS WITH PUBLIC BENEFIT SERVICES SUCH AS SOCIAL SECURITY. MANY PERSONS APPLYING FOR HELP COME FROM A CLASS OF 'NEW POOR' AND ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH AVAILABLE BENEFITS WITH REGULATIONS SURROUNDING THEM. THE RECRUITMENT OF VOLUNTEERS AND PROCEDURES ENTAILED IN FUNDRAISING ARE DESCRIBED. THE PROGRAM IS LARGELY INVOLVED IN TRAINING AS PART OF A NATIONAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT. VOLUNTEERS, PARALEGALS, SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS, COMMUNITY OUTREACH WORKERS, AND ATTORNEYS ARE TRAINED IN MAJOR PUBLIC BENEFIT SERVICE, INTERVIEWING AND NEGOTIATING SKILLS, AND USE OF MATERIAL DESIGNED ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL STATES. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE PROGRAM, ITS OFFICE ROUTINE, STAFF SIZE, AND JOB DIVISION ARE CONSIDERED. THE INFORMATION REFERRAL SYSTEM, MAINLY CONSISTING OF A CONTINUALLY UPDATED MANUAL, IS DESCRIBED. AN ACTIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING PROGRAM IS MAINTAINED TO PUBLICIZE THE LEGAL COUNSEL OFFICE AND TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY ABOUT ITS SERVICES. (DAG)